































Your^ird Friends 

and How to W in TQiem 


Joseph H.^Dodson 

PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR 

AMERICAN AUDUBON ASSOCIATION 

A SUSTAINING MEMBER OF THE ILLI¬ 
NOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY; LIFE MEMBER 
OF THE MICHIGAN AND MISSOURI AU¬ 
DUBON SOCIETIES ; A MEMBER OF THE 
MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY; 

THE AMERICAN BIRD BANDING ASSO¬ 
CIATION; THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLO¬ 
GISTS UNION; THE WILSON ORNITHO¬ 
LOGICAL CLUB; THE MERIDEN BIRD 
CLUB AND THE AMERICAN FORESTRY 


ASSOCIATION 



COPYRIGHTED 19X7, BY JOSEPH H. DODSON 


» ' * 




^IRD LODGE, Home of Joseph H. ^Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 























Many Varieties of Birds Attracted to a Small Space 

The Reason for this Book 

LOVE BIRDS—that is the reason for this little book, and everything here 
set down is explained by that—I love the birds. Birds have made my life 
happier, and I want them to exert the same inspiring influence on others as 
they have on me. Make friends with our native birds—that is my mes¬ 
sage- The birds richly repay you for the trouble you take in attracting them 
and looking out for their interests. 

In this booklet I am going to tell you how to attract and win birds so that the 
same families will return to you every year. I have done this at my former home 
in Evanston, a suburb of Chicago, at my farm in Michigan, at my winter home 
on the Isle of Pines, and at my beautiful home, Bird Lodge, here at Kankakee, 
which is just fifty miles south of Chicago, on the banks of the Kankakee River. 

Many who have only a little patch of city garden have induced song birds to 
live with them by putting up Dodson Bird Houses. This is a greater achievement 
than helping the rich men who have many acres. The blessed little birds make 
no distinction between rich and poor. 

No Place Too Small 

The illustration above shows how many bird 
houses can be put in a small space, and yet be occu¬ 
pied by many varieties of birds. In the fifty feet 
square, shown in this illustration, there lived in 
peaceful contentment families of the Wren, Blue¬ 
bird, Great Crested Fly Catcher, Tree Swallow, 

Oriole, and a large colony of Purple Martins. 

The building of bird houses has been a hobby of 
mine for many years, and never has been run 
solely for profit. I think you will agree with me 
that in the end, it is a great work for good. My own 
work is in financial affairs and yet there is no success 
in my life that I value higher than my success as an 
architect for birds. 

I tell you this because I want you, as you read 
my talks about bird houses, to realize that my first 
interest is always for the birds and bird-loving men Mrs. Dodson and 

and women, not merely to sell my own devices. Dodson Sheltered Food House 














Main Entrance to Bird Lod&e 

That the interest I have in birds is well known is proven by the fact that I am 
earnestly sought as a lecturer on our native birds by various societies and platforms 
all over the United States, and I gladly give my services. 

There is a great difference between my houses, and the commercial bird houses 
that are built only to sell. My houses are designed after 23 years of loving study 
of birds and their habits, and how to attract them around my own home. The 
little niceties which the birds appreciate have been taken care of, and the interior 
is different. They are all carefully ventilated, and every house has a piece of red 
cedar in it somewhere, and a bright piece of metal on the outside, which acts as a 
mirror. 

Time to Set Out Bird Houses 

The ideal time to set out bird houses is during the fall, winter or spring. But for 
that matter, Dodson Houses can be set out any time, and they will be occupied. 

I find that birds don’t like their houses to be brand new—a little “weather 
beating” makes the house more natural to them. This, however, only applies the 
first time the houses are put out; after they are occupied once, the birds will return 

year after year to the same house. Many patrons 
of mine have put up houses as late as June or July 
and still won birds, but the earlier the houses are 
placed, the better chance you have of getting the 
first comers. 

Keeping, Birds With You in Winter 

Leave the houses up the year around. They are 
substantially built, made to last a man’s lifetime. 
Many birds stay with us in the north all the year. 
Birds go south chiefly because they cannot get 
enough food during the winter in the northern states. 
Many species will go anyhow for love of warmth and 
sunshine, but a good many birds can be kept north 
all winter if they are provided with food. I have 
proven this, and after years of effort, I have per¬ 
fected several designs of bird food houses and 
shelters which my bird friends assure me are just 
Dodson Sheltered Feeding, Table the things they want most. 

in Winter It has added a great deal to my pleasure to have 











Lawn at Bird Lod£e 

the birds stay with me—some of them only a month or two longer than they used 
to stay, some of them all winter'long. It has given me even more pleasure to 
know that my food shelters have saved the lives of many of our song birds. Few 
people realize how many birds starve during the sudden cold snaps, particularly 
when the snow covers the ground. I wish you all realized this; I know you would 
all lend a hand in feeding birds and would teach the young folks to look out for our 
feathered friends. It seems to me that boys and girls of our bustling times are not 
taught to be so thoughtful as we used to be. This is not a peevish cry of “Those 
were the good old days.” I believe we are going to have still better days for our 
song birds, because the American people are now alive to the great need we have 
for our native birds and the wonderful service these birds give in protecting our 
trees, shrubs, grains and fruits from insect life. 

What to Feed Wild Song, Birds 

Suet is one of the most attractive and necessary foods for the birds that stay 
all winter. Hemp and sunflower seeds are good, and meat scraps and bread 
crumbs should be given at times. The birds will require very little or no atten¬ 
tion in the matter of food during the late spring and 
summer, but early in the spring and in the fall and 
winter it is well to care for them by setting out the 
Dodson Sheltered Food Devices. My experience 
has proven to me that two feeding devices are better 
than one. The larger and stronger birds will drive 
away the smaller and weaker ones, perhaps at the 
very time that they need the food most. 

Better Still—Feed the Birds All Year 

Most of us who love birds, keep our feeding 
devices out all the time. It is particularly import¬ 
ant to have them out in the spring; very often the 
birds come early and are endangered by a sudden 
cold wave or snow storm. In the spring of 1912, 
hundreds of Bluebirds starved to death in Illinois 
alone. Keep well stocked food houses, feeding 
shelves and baskets out all winter. They are bird 
life-saving stations. 

5 ] 



Dodson Martin House 
in City Back Yard 










Watching the Birds on the Lawn at Bird Lod&e 


Trees and Shrubs that will Attract the Birds 


You can encourage the birds to your place by planting the shrubs and trees 
that they like. 

The shrubs and trees enumerated here provide food in abundance for the birds 
and plantings of these beautiful, growing trees and shrubs are recommended. I 
have spent practically a life time collecting these varieties. 

These shrubs are all hardy, and are really more beautiful than any other shrubs 
for the reason that they have first the bud, then the flowers, and then the berry. 
The varieties are so varied that they furnish a complete supply of food for the 
birds, practically the year around. All of these shrubs and trees will thrive 
generally throughout the United States. 


Celtis—H ackberry. 

Crataegus—Thorn in numerous varieties. 
Morus—Russian Mulberry. 

Prunus Padus—European Bird Cherry. 
Prunus Virginiana—Choke Cherry. 

Pyrus—Flowering Crab, Bechtel’s. 


TREES 

Pyrus—Flowering Crab, Japanese. 

Pyrus Baccata, or Pyrus Malus Baccata. 
Prunus Pennsylvania—Pin Cherry. 
Prunus Serotina—Wild Black Cherry. 
Celastrus Scandens—Bittersweet (Vine). 



Dodson Bird Houses 
on Village Street 


SHRUBS 


Amelanchier—June Berry, American. 
Amelanchier—June Berry, European. 
Berberis—Barberry, European. 
Berberis—Barberry, Japanese. 

Berberis—Barberry, Purple Leaved. 
Cornus—Dogwood, Golden Barked. 
Cornus—Dogwood, Siberian. 

Eleagnus Oleaster or Wild Olive. 
Euonymus—Strawberry Tree, 
American. 

Euonymus—Strawberry Tree, Japanese 
Winged. 

Ribes—Currant, Golden Flowering. 
Ribes—Currant, Gordan’s Red 
Flowering. 

Ribes—Currant, Wild Black. 

Rosa Rugosa, Japanese Rose. 
Sambucus, Elder, Cut Leaved. 
Sambucus, Elder, Golden. 
Symphoricarpus—Coralberry. 
Symphoricarpus—Snowberry. 
Symphoricarphus—W olf berry. 

V iburnum—Arrow-W ood. 


Viburnum—High Bush 
Cranberry. 

Viburnum—Nannyberry. 
Viburnum—Wayfaring Tree. 
Viburnum—Glossy. 

Ligustrum—Privet, Amur. 
Ligustrum—Privet, Ibota. 
Ligustrum—Privet, Prostrate. 
Lonicera Honeysuckle, Bella. 
Lonicera Honeysuckle, 
Morrow’s. 

Lonicera Honeysuckle, 
Tartarian. 

Lycium—Matrimony Vine. 
Rhamus—Buckthorn, Black. 
Rhamus—Buckthorn, Adler. 
Rhus—Sumach, Smooth. 

Rhus—Sumach, Staghorn. 
Hippophae Rhamnoides—Sea 
Buckthorn. 

Shepherdia Canadensis— 
Buffalo Berry. 

Prunus Pumila—Sand Cherry. 


Birds You Can Win to Live with You 

The houses, shelters and shelter shelves (or “in¬ 
vitations to nest, ” as I call them) I build and sell 
are particularly designed for Purple Martins, Blue- 















Bird Lod&e, a Bird Sanctuary, on the Kankakee River 


birds, Wrens, Flickers, or Golden Winged Woodpecker, White Bellied or Tree 
Swallows, Chickadees, Nuthatches and Fly Catchers. This is because these birds 
are the most easily attracted to man-made houses. They are, also, among the 
most valuable, most sociable and most delightful of all birds. 

There are dozens of other birds, however, which are won to you by setting out 
the Dodson Bird Houses. Among the three or four hundred birds which live in 
my garden here, there are Robins, Scarlet Tanagers, Orioles, Red Cardinals, Cat 
Birds, Brown Thrashers, Warblers, Flickers, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Humming 
Birds, Juncos, Song Sparrows, Wood Thrushes, Vireos, Cedar Wax Wings, 
Downey and Red-Headed Woodpeckers and many others. They insist upon 
building their own nests, some of these fellows, but they benefit by my bird 
baths, and many build nests on my Shelter Shelves, or “invitations to nest,” as 
I call them. 

They know they are welcome, know that they are protected from the English 
Sparrow and the cat. They like to live near the other birds; and they are all 
welcome—all except the English Sparrow, who has forfeited all rights by his 
mean, quarrelsome selfishness, his uselessness to man and his uncleanliness. For 
love of native birds, I banish the English sparrow. 

The charm and value of the Purple Martin is 
emphasized by the contentment and happiness and 
the community interest evidenced by these birds of 
industrious habits. Martins live in colonies and are 
encouraged by the placing of Colony Houses. 

Houses Must be Ri^ht 

A number of little things that seem unimportant 
to man, I have found are essential in making bird 
houses successful. 

Many of my bird-loving friends have been 
bitterly disappointed in the commercial bird houses. 

My houses are all built under my personal super¬ 
vision, so that I know that these little details are 
attended to. 

The winning of our Native Birds is possible alike 
to the dweller in the most humble cottage, or the 
owner of a country estate with most spacious Dodson Bird Houses Blend into 

grounds. In this, birds are simple respecters. Offer Natural Surroundings 






Birds are Quite Tame at Bird Lodfce 

them a place in which are embodied those things that they desire, and they will 
come to you. 

Your previous attempt in winning birds to home with you, if unsuccessful, 
was because of little things that have not been incorporated into their houses. 
That is the reason you are safe when you buy Dodson Bird Houses. You are 
bound to win the birds, for Dodson Bird Houses are built after the most exacting 
study and embody the little things that are essential in providing them a shelter 
in which they will make their home, and raise their broods. 

Here in Kankakee I have from 300 to 400 birds living with me every summer. 

1 have birds at my Michigan farm and birds at my home on the Isle of Pines. 
These birds live with us and are our friends. I want other birds to live with you 
and be your friends. I am willing and anxious to help you attract them. It will 
not be necessary to teach you to love them, for you just can’t help it. 

Give the Birds a Chance 

Get some Dodson Bird Houses and have more friends with wings. Give the 
birds a chance; I promise they will be a factor of joy in your life. I have always 
been interested in birds; even when a boy I built Wren, Martin and Bluebird 
houses, and then studied their habits. They are so interesting. 

Talk about the busy bee, why, it is not in it when it comes to mother Martin 
feeding her four young ones. It is too amusing for anything to see their mouths 
wide open. The mother starts feeding with No. 1 and with careful rotation No. 

2 is fed next; then No. 3, and when No. 4’s turn comes its mouth is surely wide 

open. After it has been fed the mother 
will start all over again with No. 1 
which, by the way, is always the smallest 
and weakest bird. How do I know this? 
Because I watch them with powerful bin¬ 
oculars which bring them up so close that 
I can see every move they make. 

Dodson Bird Houses are built as a re¬ 
sult of years of interesting study and ob¬ 
servation, of carefully selected materials, 
built strongly so as to endure against time, 
with all the little niceties that experi- 



Colony of Martins at Bird Lod&e 


[8 








Joseph H. Dodson, Bird Lover, in his Study 


ence has determined to be essential, if they are truly to be homes for our feathered 
friends. 

Now, in the first place you can’t have birds unless you prepare for them—by 
that I mean, erect houses, shelters and shelter shelves, or “invitations to nest.” 
This is absolutely necessary, and the houses should be so erected that the birds 
will be in the least danger of being annoyed. There are enough things that can 
happen to them without the location of the houses being wrong. After these 
houses are put up properly and occupied, as they surely will be, then the birds 
must be protected from their natural enemies—cats, English sparrows, and 
squirrels. 

My Houses Bring, the Birds Back to You Year after Year 

Besides being built for the true purpose of attracting the birds, these Dodson 
Bird Houses are well put together and made of selected materials in order to resist 
the action of the elements. 

Only selected first class wood, thoroughly seasoned, is used in the construction 
of my houses. Years of experience have proven just what woods are most suitable 
for the different shapes of houses. The demand for 
the different artistic shapes necessitates that they be 
made of varied woods most suitable to the designs. 

Red Cedar, Oak, Cypress, and selected White Pine, 
enter into their construction. The nails and cleats 
holding them together are thoroughly coated so as 
to resist rust. 

With Dodson Bird Houses, you are sure of the 
birds returning to you each season, as they will do 
when their houses are permanent, for Dodson Houses 
are built to last a man’s lifetime. 

Skilled mechanics, and not boys, put these 
Dodson Houses together, and if you are to be 
successful in keeping the birds on your place year 
after year, your houses must be permanent in 
character. 

Dodson Bird Houses are painted in accordance 
with hues that naturally attract our feathered 

friends. Only the oest oil colors are used to bring Robin &oin& to its nest on 
these houses to a state of perfected beauty. Dodson Sheltered Shelf 


















The “Factory” where Dodson Bird Houses are Made 

Properly Ventilated and Provided for Cleaning 

One of the factors that must be right before the birds will take up their home 
in a man-made house, is the matter of ventilation. I have spent many days and 
months in experimenting with this phase of bird life and bird attraction. My 
keenest observation finally led me to the importance of this seeming detail, ven¬ 
tilation. , 

In designing and constructing these houses, I have never lost sight of the 
importance of scientifically harmonizing with the natural instinct and incentive of 
the birds for fresh air. Our Bird Friends do not like fresh air admitted through 
cracks, as they insist on their houses being dry and free from drafts. To afford 
proper ventilation and yet offer a shelter free from drafts, is a scientific detail 
wrung from Nature’s garden and found in every Dodson Bird House. 

Little Things the Birds Like 

Among other minutiae that the birds are attracted by is a bit of red cedar. 
Whether it is the aromatic quality of this wood or whether it is pleasing to them 

in some other way, I have been unable to determine, 
but they are won by it, and a bit of it is included in 
every Dodson House. 

They are also attracted to a home by something 
shiny or bright. Strange to say, the placing of this 
bit of brightness is a nicety determined only after 
years of observation, and for that reason a small 
piece of shiny metal, non-corrodible, acting as a 
mirror, is made part of each Dodson House. 

The size of opening is a determining element and 
has much to do with the contentment of the birds, 
for when just the right size, the house can be well 
defended by the inmates against their many foes. 
This trivial detail is of large moment to the Birds. 

Such apparent trivialities as painting, even the 
inside of the house, or sills, I have found will militate 
against its ready occupancy. “Perfection is no 
trifle, but trifles make perfection . ” 



Bird Study at Close Ran&e 











Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Dodson Bird Houses 



Patent 

applied 

for. 


The Dodson Purple Martin House 

(Cottage Style) 

Here is a 28-room Martin house, with Dodson special¬ 
ly constructed attic, which appeals to this bird. . As the 
Martin is a bird that colonizes, this compartment house 
is particularly recommended. 

This house is made of white pine, painted with two 
coats of pure lead and oil paint. It is properly ventilated 
and arranged for cleaning between seasons. 

Size, 17 x 21 inches, with a 5-inch 
porch extending on all sides. Height 
to peak of roof, 26 inches; with an 
attractive flag-pole 18 inches high. 

Dimensions over all; 

Height, 44 inches; width 27 inches; 
length 31 inches. 




±-iice, f. o. b. Kankakee, $ 14 . 00 . 
If all copper roof is desired, $ 17 . 00 . 
Shipping weight 80 pounds. 


Patent 

applied 

for. 


The Dodson Colonial Martin House 

With Dodson Specially Constructed Attic 

Here is a 56-apartment house, colonial style of archi¬ 
tecture, built of clear white pine, with copper roof. 
This house has turned porch columns and paneled 
pilasters. 

This house is set on 6 x 6-inch easy-raising pole. 
Pole enters base of house and ascends through two 
stories. This is a magnificent Martin house, and, 
erected on your place, will cause a colony of Martins to 
take up their abode as your neighbors. 

The dimensions of this house are: 38 inches long, 
26 inches wide, 44 inches high with a projecting 6-inch 
porch all around. Painted with two coats of pure lead 
and oil. 

Price, all-copper roof and including 22-foot easy-raising 
pole, f.o.b. Kankakee, $ 65 . 00 . 

Shipping weight 170 pounds. 



Patent applied for. 


The Dodson Queen Anne Martin House 

With Dodson Specially Constructed Attic 


T hi ? is a 48-room house, built of clear white pine, 
owing architecturally the Queen Anne style. Every 
1S accessible and readily cleanable. This house 

6 x . 6 . inch easy-raising pole, which ascends 
through two stones. 


This house is painted with two coats of pure lead and 
oil Paint, and is 36 inches long, 26 inches wide, and its 
height is 38 inches. It has a 6-inch porch with turned 
porch columns, running all the way around. 

Price, with all-copper roof and including 22-foot 
easy-raising pole, 6x6 inches, f.o.b. Kankakee, $ 45 . 00 . 

Shipping weight 150 pounds. 


Dodson Easy-Raising Pole 
for Bird Houses 



Here is a device that I 
have perfected which makes 
an ideal support for all the 
different kinds of bird 
houses. It is made of 
selected yellow pine, thor¬ 
oughly painted, and is set 
on a self-locking appliance 
for raising and lowering. 

Size 6x6 inches, 22 feet 
long, for Martin house. 
Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, 
$ 8 . 00 . Shipping weight 115 
pounds. 

Size 4x4 inches, 20 feet 
long, for Martin house. 
Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, 
$ 6 . 00 . Shipping weight 
70 pounds. 

Size 3x3 inches, 18 feet 
long, for Bluebird, Fly 
Catcher and Swallow 
houses. Price, f.o.b. Kan¬ 
kakee, $ 5 . 00 . Shipping 
weight 40 pounds. 






























































Dodson Bird Houses 


Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 



Dodson Square Flicker or 
Woodpecker House 

Here is a house of simple design, yet of 
beautiful, pleasing appearance. This house 
is built of strong, 1-inch selected Norway 
pine, rough finished. Two coats of oil 
paint, colored a dark gray, render it imper¬ 
vious to the action of the elements. 

The front of this house is hinged, so that it 
can be readily opened and cleaned. Size, 23 
inches long, 11 inches wide and 10 inches deep. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $2.50. 

This house is also furnished with copper 
roof at $3.50, f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 15 pounds. 



The Dodson Double Chickadee or 
Nut Hatch House 

Here is a cleverly designed house, intended 
for either of the afore-mentioned birds, built 
of selected white pine with hinged front, so 
that the occasional cleaning is made easy. 
It is 15 inches long, inches wide. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $2.50. 

This house is also furnished with copper 
roof for $3.50, f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 7 pounds. 



The Dodson Sexan&ular Flicker or 
Golden Winded Woodpecker House 

Here is a distinctive bird house that will encourage 
the homing instinct of either the Flicker or Wood¬ 
pecker, both desirable neighbors. Built of selected 
Norway pine. Roof of clear cypress shingle, with a 
copper coping—truly an artistic and beautiful design, 
ventilated and arranged with detachable bottom, so as 
to make the occasional cleaning easy. 

This house is intended to be fastened to the trunk 
of a tree or other support, and due to its clever design, 
blends itself beautifully with its natural surroundings. 
Size, 26 y 2 inches long, 12 inches wide and 11 inches deep. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $5.00. 

Shipping weight20 pounds. 



Dodson Single Chickadee or 
Nut Hatch House 


Here is a very pretty, little house that will 
soon attract a pair of occupants. 

This house is made of selected white pine 
with a hinged front, to make cleaning easy. 
It is 15 inches long, 13 inches wide. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $1.50; Six for 
$8.00. With all-copper roof, f.o.b. Kanka¬ 
kee, $2.60 each. Shipping weight 6 pounds. 

[16 









Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Dodson Bird Houses 



Patent applied for. 

Dodson House for Great Crested 
Flycatcher 

Here is another strikingly original design 
of a handsome bird house, which may also be 
made with two compartments for Wrens or 
Bluebirds. 

This house is built of white pine and 
arranged so that it can be readily cleaned. It 
is intended to be placed on a pole, or hung for 
Wrens or Bluebirds. Size, 15x11x8 inches, 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $3.00. 

It is also made with copper roof at $4.00, 
f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 15 pounds. 


Patent applied for. 

The Dodson Sheltered Shelf 

(or “Invitation to Nest”) 

Here is a Sheltered Shelf that a number of 
birds will build their nests on, that will not 
nest in houses. By means of this Sheltered 
Shelf or “invitation to nest,” you can win 
Robins, Cat Birds, Brown Thrashers, Red 
Cardinals and a number of other birds. 

It is intended to be hung in shrubbery, or 
in a tree or under the eaves of a building. 

It is built so as to afford protection from a 
number of enemy birds, such as the crow, etc. 

It is made of selected white pine and is 
14>? inches high by 14 inches wide. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $1.75. 

It is also made with copper roof at $2.75, 
f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 7 pounds. 

17] 


Patent applied for. 

Dodson House for Tree or 
White ^Bellied Swallow 

Here is a very popular house which may also 
be made with two compartments for Wrens 
or Bluebirds. Perfectly ventilated and easily 
cleaned. 

This house is made of selected white pine. 
Size, 12 x 14 x 9 inches. It is intended to be 
placed on a pole, or hung for Wrens or 
Bluebirds. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $3.00. 

This house is also made with copper roof 

for $4.00. 

Shipping weight 15 pounds. 



The Dodson Feeding Shelf 

Here is a Feeding Shelf designed in keeping 
with a number of my houses, and is to be 
fastened to a tree or hung in the shrubbery, 
or on the side of a building. 

This shelf is equipped with automatic 
feeder for grain or ground food, a hook for 
suet and a wire feeding basket for meat 
scraps. Many bird lovers buy a number of 
these shelves and hang them up at different 
places among the trees or in the shrubbery. 

Size, 16 inches high, 14 inches wide and 
has a feeding shelf inches deep. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $1.75. 

It is also made with copper roof at $2.75, 
f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 7 pounds. 











Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Dodson Bird Houses 



Patent applied for. 


The Dodson Feeding, Car 

Here is one of my devices that really serves more 
than the purpose for which it is created. It runs on a 
cable from a window in the house to a tree or post 
outside. The advantages are just this: 

It is not necessary to step outdoors to replenish the 
food; merely draw the car up to the window, stock it, 
and it will run back to where the birds will be fed 
and sheltered. By moving the car a little closer to the 
house each time, you can make friends of these feath¬ 
ered lovers, and they will soon be willing to eat off the 
window sills, so tame will they become with the use of 
these feeding cars. 

Run from a nursery window, this car will become a 
perpetual joy to the children of the household, and will 
make little men and women out of them, by having 
them know that they are providing for the birds. 

The benefit of close observation of the birds, the ad¬ 
vantages of feeding them, and teaching them not to 
fear you, are all factors with the use of this Dodson 
Feeding Car. 

The car is made of white pine and it is 23 x 15 inches 
and 11 inches high. It is equipped with drinking cup, 
wire feeding rack, automatic food hopper and hooks 
for suet. With this car are furnished 50 feet of 
galvanized cable and 50 feet of cord. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $5.00. 

This house is also made with copper roof at $ 6.50 
f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 10 pounds. 



The Dodson Sheltered Food House 

Here is the perfect Food House and Shelter, of very 
attractive design. It is built of clear white pine and has 
ground glass lights so the birds will not fly against it. 
It is provided with an 8-foot pole for support, and will 
draw many birds to your place. The interior equipment 
of this house is provided with two automatic hoppers, 
wire feed basket and hooks for suet. Size is 24 x 24 x 18 
Inches. 

Price, i.o.b. Kankakee, $9.00. 

It is also made with copper roof at $12.00 f. o. b. 
Kankakee. 

Shipping weight of house, 40 pounds; weight of pole, 
30 pounds. 



SHOWING DODSON FEEDING CAR IN USE 



Dodson Automatic Sheltered 
Feeding Table 

Here is an innovation in the way of a Feeding Table, 
whose shelter is always on the windward side, for it is 
built on the principle of the weather vane, and rotates 
with the back of the shelter against the wind, which 
means that its interior is always dry and affords a perfect 
shelter that the birds joyfully take to. 

I am justly proud of this particular type for I feel that 
no further improvement on a feeding table shelter is 
possible. This table is made of white pine and equipped 
with an 8-foot round, turned pole. Size, 24 x 22 x 12 
inches. 

Price, f. o. b. Kankakee, $7.00. 

It is also made with a copper roof at $9.00, f. o. b. 
Kankakee. 

Shipping weight of table, 25 pounds; weight of pole, 
25 pounds. 














Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Dodson Bird Houses 




Patent applied for. 


Patent applied for. 

The Dodson Cement Bird Bath 

Here is the only practical bird bath, scientifically 
designed, and one that will be an ornament to any 
grounds. Even though its purpose be not understood 
it will prove an ornament by itself. But with birds 
twittering a round it, and using it for the purpose for 
which it is intended, its value to the place is priceless. 
It is made of concrete, beautifully cast, with a smooth 
finish, and will last a life time. 

Price ol basin without stand, $10.00. Price of stand 
without basin, $10.00. Price, including basin and 
stand. $19.00, f. o. b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight 320 pounds. 


T)odson Purple Martin Bird Bath 

Popular with all birds, but specially designed 
for the Purple Martin, which takes its drink 
as it flies over the surface. 

Here is a bird bath that experience has 
determined to be just the right size. Made 
of heavy galvanized metal, so that it will last 
indefinitely. This is an interesting device, 
and has proven very successful in attracting 
the birds. It has a wire rolled flange, and 
size of bath is 34 x 46 inches, 2 inches deep. 
Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $6.00. 

Shipping weight 30 pounds. 

Price, made of Cement, f.o.b. Kankakee, 

$ 10 . 00 . 

Shipping weight 250 pounds. 


Tree Guard to Keep the 
Cats and Squirrels Out 
of the Trees 

In the protection of our native birds 
all things must be considered, and that 
little Squirrel, the fellow with usually 
the harmless reputation, is a mis¬ 
chievous, destructive little varmint— 
that is, as far as the birds are con¬ 
cerned. He will tear down nests, eat 
the eggs, and kill the fledglings, con¬ 
sequently, I have invented a device 
that will help to keep them out of the 
trees where the birds nest and where 
their houses are put. 

For years I have given this subject 
thought, my idea being to bring out a 
device that would not only keep the 
cat, squirrel and other animals out of 
the trees where your birds are nesting, 
but would expand with the growth of 
the tree. Well, here it is! Simple, 
easy to attach and furnishing protec¬ 
tion to the birds and their nests, from 
cats, and, if put high enough, will 
usually keep squirrels down. 

It can be shipped in any lengths 
desired to fit the circumference of the 
different trees. 

Price, ready to put up, per lineal foot 
45 cents, f.o.b. Kankakee. 


Patent applied for. 

The Dodson Food Basket 
for Thirds 

This basket is made of tinned wire, 
electrically welded so that there are no 
sharp points. The birds cannot get 
hurt, as they often do on wire netting; 
nor can they get caught, for the wire 
is heavy and the basket is made care¬ 
fully to protect the hungry little fellows 
from harm. Fill the food basket with 
melted suet, mixed with ground nuts or 
any ground meat scraps. Attach to 
tree, post or to the side of a building. 

Set out a dozen of them, leave them 
out all the year around. The birds 
need your help. These baskets will 
last for years. Size, 6 inches long, 6 
inches wide, inches through. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, 50 cents 
each; $5.00 per dozen. 

Shipping weight 6 ounces. 


Patent applied for. 







































Dodson Bird Houses 


Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Know Our Native Birds 

As an aid to knowing them, I have never found anything to equal “ Nature 
Neighbors. ” 

“Nature Neighbors” is a beautiful set of books in 11 volumes, containing 648 
full-page, colored plates, illustrating over 1,500 of Nature specimens in their natural 
colors, being nearly twice the number of illustrations in any other work on this 
subject. To look at these pictures alone is almost a course in natural history. 

The greatest living naturalists have contributed to the terse, definite descrip¬ 
tions written in simple language so that everyone can understand it. 

“Nature Neighbors” is the best illustrated work obtainable in natural colors 
upon the subjects of Birds, Plants, Animals and Minerals of North America. 



It took eight years at enormous expense to collect these subjects, pose them 
and make the plates. Much of this work was done under the personal supervision 
of Dr. William Kerr Higley, President of the Chicago Academy of Sciences. No 
other set of color plates was ever made which approaches this set in the point of 
number, completeness and accuracy of pictures. They are positively the best 
and most complete set of color plates obtainable upon the subjects of Birds, 
Plants, Animals and Minerals of North America, and the complete 648 plates 
containing over fifteen hundred nature specimens are all in “Nature Neighbors. ” 
There are three hundred ninety-six bird plates, containing nearly six hundred 
bird, nest and egg specimens—378 different birds; 101 plant plates, containing 
nearly 400 plant specimens; 120 animal plates, containing nearly 400 animal 
specimens; 31 mineral plates, containing about 200 mineral specimens. 

In my own library I have most every book published on the subject of birds, 
and I value my set of “Nature Neighbors” above them all; and if I could not 
obtain another set, I would not part with them at any price. 

It is because I know the value of these books that f have purchased the entire 
edition, so that I can offer them to my bird-loving friends at a price that will put 
these books within the reach of all. While these books are low in price, they are 
the finest obtainable. 


































Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Dodson Bird Houses 


“Nature Neighbors.”—Prices and Editions 

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON EDITION, 


Limited to 2,050 Sets 

Publishers’ My 

Price Price 

Art Vellum Cloth, Silk Finish, 11 Vols.$60.00 $47.50 

Vols. I-VI, Birds. Art Vellum Cloth, Silk Finish, 6 Vols. 36.00 29.50 

Vols. VII-XI. Plants, Animals, Minerals. Art Vellum Cloth, Silk Finish, 

5 Vols. 30.00 24.50 

EDITOR’S AUTOGRAPH COPIES 
Limited to 250 Sets 

Three-Quarters Pig-Grained Morocco, 11 Vols.$85.00 $71.50 

Vols. I-VI. Birds. Three-Quarters Pig-Grained Morocco, 6 Vols. 55.00 43.50 

Vols VII-XI. Plants. Animals, Minerals, Three-Quarters Pig-Grained 

Morocco, 5 Vols. 45.00 36.50 


Another Set of Books I Recommend 

The pocket nature library is a beautiful little set of books that tells about the 
birds, the wild flowers, the butterflies and the trees, and in order that my friends 
can have them I purchased a quantity. The volumes are issued in pocket size 
with over seven hundred colored plates and more than a thousand text pages. 
I can sell four volumes bound in full leather for $4.50. 

Nature Study Glasses 

I have had so many calls for a Nature Study 
Glass that I have made a special effort to get 
one best suited for this work. This glass has 
been selected from more than one hundred dif¬ 
ferent makes. It is equally good for the moun¬ 
tains, the seashore, the theatre, for identifying 
birds—or wherever a powerful glass is required. 

This grade sells in many of the stores for 
$15.00, but the purchase of a very large num¬ 
ber enabled me to get a reduction in price, 
which I am turning over to you. 

They have wide angle of view, give a very 
clear image, and show colors and markings very 
distinctly. These glasses magnify 3 diameters 
(9 times); black finish; weight 15 ounces; size 
2 x 3 x 4 ]/ 2 inches. 

Price only $ 9 , prepaid , includes Leather Case and strap. 



manufacturedby 

JOSEPH H.DODSON 

BIRO HOUSES & SPARROW TRAPS 

KANKAKEE .ILL. - pat.API D. FOR 


^er^irsT^ 

(PAT.APPLIED FOR) 

DODSON BIRD HOUSES 

AND SPARROW TRAPS 

ALL BEAR THIS PLATE 

"IMTJOSEPH H. DODSON 
KANKAKEE, ILL. 

(KANKAKEE IS NEAR CHICAGO) . 

i£!5MTHEoBinRS ^ 


One of these name plates is a guarantee of a genuine DODSON BIRD 
HOUSE, and is your assurance that your Bird House will be occupied. 

21 ] 











Dodson Bird Houses 


Joseph. H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Bird Enemies and How to Fig,ht Them 

English Sparrows and Cats are bitter enemies of our song birds. 

The bad mannered, rowdy, dirty, raucous voiced sparrow bands together in 
flocks to torment the Wrens, Bluebirds, Robins and other birds we love. 

The sneaking, cruel cat hunts them for love of hunting. The most petted, 
pampered tabby is still a bird hunter. 

The first step in bird protection is: 


Banish the English Sparrow 

The English Sparrow must go. The bird has wrought a great deal of evil to 
our country chiefly by its activity in driving away native song birds. I urge you 
to read the extracts from the U. S. Government Bulletin which are quoted on 
following pages. The scientists who have made a study of birds in their relation 
to agriculture and horticulture are all agreed in condemning the sparrow. I 
believe that the Dodson Sparrow Trap is the simplest and yet the most effective 
means for fighting this feathered pest. Everywhere in the country these traps are 
being set out and every one of them is successfully serving its owner by capturing 
many sparrows. One of the first traps I sold went to a gentleman in Cleveland, 
and a few days after he received it he wrote me that on the first day it was set 
out he caught between 75 and 100 sparrows. I have hundreds of letters from 
other delighted purchasers testifying to the success of the trap. 

While I am proud of the good work the Dodson Bird Houses are doing, I am 
inclined to believe that the Dodson Sparrow Trap is accomplishing more real 
good for native birds, by its effective service in helping us to get rid of the sparrow, 
than any other one device I have produced. 

If you want to help us in this good work of fighting the sparrow in order to 
save the song birds of America, set out a Dodson Sparrow Trap. During the cold 
months when food is scarce you can catch more sparrows than at any other time. 
The trap works successfully, however, at any season of the year and should be 
working all the time so long as there are any sparrows about your place. 


The Case of the Government 

Extracts from Farmers’ Bulletin, 493 U. S. Depart¬ 
ment of Agriculture. 

“The English Sparrow among birds, like the rat 
among mammals, is cunning, destructive and filthy. Its 
natural diet consists of seeds, but it eats a great variety 
of other foods. 

“As a flock of 50 sparrows requires daily the equiva¬ 
lent of a quart of wheat, the annual loss caused by these 
birds throughout the country is very great. It reduces 
the number of some of our most useful and attractive 
native birds, as Bluebirds, House Wrens, Purple Martins, 
Tree Swallows, Cliff Swallows and Barn Swallows, by 
destroying their eggs and young and by usurping nesting 
places. It attacks other familiar species, as the Robin, 
Wren, Red-Eyed Vireo, Cat Bird, and Mocking Bird, 
causing them to desert parks and shady streets of towns. 
Unlike our native birds whose place it usurps, it has no 
song, but is noisy and vituperative. It defiles buildings 
and ornamental trees, shrubs and vines with its excre¬ 
ment and with its bulky nests. 

“The evidence against the English Sparrow is, on 
the whole, overwhelming, and the present unfriendly 
attitude of the public towards it is reflected in our 
State laws. Nowhere is it included among protected 
birds. 

“Although English Sparrows are widely distributed 
as a species, individuals and flocks have an extremely 
narrow range, each flock occupying one locality to which 
its activities are chiefly confined. This fact is 
favorable to their extermination, for when a place has 
once been cleared of sparrows some time elapses before 
it is reoccupied. This tendency to remain on special 
territory was well shown. during a recent experiment 
with a flock in a small city garden. During the fall. 


Against the English Sparrow 

steady trapping reduced the resident flock in the garden 
to a dozen individuals, 274 birds having been trapped. 
The survivors were poisoned. Though another flock 
lived in the street just beyond the fence, the garden was 
sparrow-free for three months. In the following spring 
a few sparrows appeared, but were soon trapped. After 
this the garden continued throughout the summer 
without a resident flock, and only rarely was it visited 
by sparrows from other parts of the neighborhood. 

AIDING NATIVE BIRDS AGAINST THE ENGLISH 
SPARROW 

“One of the greatest objections to the English 
Sparrow is its aggressive antagonism towards the small 
native birds, especially those familiar species which, 
like itself, build their nests in cavities. Nest boxes 
provided for Bluebirds, Martins or Wrens—birds both 
useful and pleasing—too often fall into the possession of 
this graceless alien. Fortunately, it is possible to aid 
the native birds by selecting suitable nesting boxes. 

ENGLISH SPARROWS AS FOOD 

In most localities in the United States, English 
Sparrows are a pest. There is, therefore, no reason why 
the birds should not be utilized for food in this country, 
as they have in the Old World for centuries. Their 
flesh is palatable, and though their bodies are small, 
their numbers fully compensate for their lack of size. 
Birds that have been trapped may be kept alive in large 
outdoor cages, sheltered from storms and cold winds, 
until they are wanted for the table. It is unprofitable 
to keep them long, however, as the quantity of grain 
or food they require daily, amounts to more than half 
their own weight. A variety of food is necessary to 



Joseph. H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Dodson Bird Houses 


keep them in good condition. Bread, oats, wheat, bran 
and corn meal, lettuce, cabbage and tender shoots of 
spring grain are some of the things they relish. A supply 
of clean water is essential. 

“To kill mercifully a sparrow that has been trapped, 
place the thumb nail at the base of its skull and dis¬ 
locate its neck by hard and quick pressure. To dress it, 
cut off the legs and wings at the outer joint, and the 
neck close to the body; strip off the skin, beginning at 
the neck; make a cut through the body wall extending 
from the neck along the backbone till the ribs are sev¬ 
ered, then around the legs to the tail, and remove the 
viscera. If sparrows are to be broiled, save only the 
breasts, as this method of cooking so shrivels and 
parches the lesser parts as to render them worthless. In 
this case tear off a strip of skin from wing to wing across 
the back; grasp the wings, in front of the body, in one 
hand and the neck in the other, and by a quick pull 
separate the breast from the ribs; turn the breast out of 


the skin that covers it, and sever the wings at the second 
joint. The whole operation requires but a fraction of a 
minute, and it can be done by the fingers alone. 

“Sparrows may be cooked by any of the methods 
employed for Reedbirds or Quail. When boned, broiled, 
buttered and served on toast, they are particularly good 
and compare favorably with the best kind of small game. 

SUMMARY 

“English Sparrows are abundant in most of the towns 
in the United States and in many suburban districts. 
They are noisy, filthy and destructive. They drive 
native birds from villages and homesteads. Practicable 
methods of dealing with them include destruction of 
nests, shooting, trapping and poisoning. Of these, 
trapping is unquestionably the best. English Sparrows 
are good to eat, and their use as food is recommended 
because of their nutritive value and as a means of 
reducing their number.” 


THE DODSON SPARROW TRAP, illustrated and described below, is 
catching thousands of sparrows all over this country. Will you help? 


The Dodson Sparrow Trap 

The most successful device ever invented for getting rid of the most persistent pest that we 
ever brought upon ourselves is the FAMOUS DODSON IMPROVED SPARROW TRAP. 

This trap will positively rid your place of Sparrows. It is made of heavy tinned wire, with 
all joints electrically welded, giving it sufficient strength to withstand the hardest usage and will 
last for years. Trap is in continuous operation and requires no setting, other than baiting. 



It is equipped with a removal cage, which makes the taking out of the captives easy. The 
construction of the trap is simple, the principle is based on a one-way funnel entrance, including 
patent needle points, from which egress is impossible, and through the improved tipping car, I 
think the efficiency of my trap has been made 100%. 

Hundreds of testimonials attest the success of the Dodson Sparrow Trap. Size, 36 by 18 by 
12 inches. 

Price f f.o.b. Kankakee, complete with removal cage, $7.00. 

Shipping weight, 22 pounds. 

Write for my booklet “Our Native Birds’ Worst Foe’’ and read what others say who have 
been successful with this wonderful trap. It gives other facts about this bird and recipes for 
cooking, etc. 


“DODSON TRAP DOING GREAT WORK ON THE FARM ” 

The Sparrow Trap on my farm is certainly doing great work. Up to date we have caught 
something like 250 of the “little sinners5 ’ and that is not all of it. The uncaught ones are so 
fearful that that there is some hidden danger on my place that they fight shy of it, although three 
or four daily find what 1 want them to. — R. T. Stanton y Chicago, 111. 

















































































Dodson Bird Houses 


Joseph H. Dodson, Kankakee, Illinois 


Cats and Squirrels 

Most of us who study the birds know that the cat is a constant menace—a sly and dangerous 
enemy to our dear little friends. Those people who keep cats do not, I am sure, realize the fact 
that the inborn desire to kill is present in every cat, and that wherever birds and cats are together 
the birds are in constant danger. If you have birds about your place, you should do all you can 
to protect them against the hunting expeditions of stray cats. 

In some country places the squirrels are a menace to native birds. If your houses are built 
of the right material and properly hung, the squirrels do not bother the birds very much. 

When it is found that they do get to the birds’ houses, it is very easy to place some of my 
tree guards (see page 19) around the trees from which the houses are hung; this serves to keep 
the cats from climbing up, and will usually keep the squirrels down. 

In Evanston, for a number of years, there was a penalty attached to the killing of squirrels. 
We learned, however, to our sorrow, that the squirrels were destroying our bird’s nests and were 
causing song birds to leave us. I caused this law protecting the squirrels to be repealed, and we 
soon noticed the increase in the number of our song birds. We know that the birds are worth 
more than the squirrels. 

Cats Murder Millions of Birds Every Year 

Cats destroy millions of native birds in this country every year. Well known authorities 
agree that cats kill more birds than are killed by all other animals combined. Native birds 
are absolutely necessary to us as destroyers of insect life. 

The cat is the greatest enemy of our native birds. The evil work of the cat is greater than 
most people will believe possible. A cat in the country or around a garden where birds sometimes 
gather will catch from 50 to 100 song birds each year. You who own cats won’t believe this, 
but it is true, as I know from observation and from the testimony of other students of bird life. 
The number of birds slaughtered by one average country cat is certainly as high as 50 a year. 

Now, there are 250,853 farms in the State of Illinois. There is an average of one cat to a farm, 
I am sure. I know of one farm where fourteen cats are kept, another where there are ten. Sup¬ 
pose we cut that number of birds killed by each cat down to ten a year—less than one-fifth of 
what it really is—that would discover to us a loss of 2,508,530 song birds a year in the State of 
Illinois alone—no account being taken of the little birds dying in the nest after the cat has eaten 
their mother. In one state alone, 2,508,530 beautiful, useful, insect-destroying native birds 
a year! Think of it! 

The Dodson Cat Trap 

Only those who have had trouble with pesky cats around the premises will fully appreciate 
the DODSON CAT TRAP. It is absolutely guaranteed to catch every cat around the place 
if operated according to directions. 

By changing the bait, this Dodson 
Trap can be made to catch Squirrels, 

Rabbits, Skunks and other animals. 

This trap is built of clear, white 
pine. Size 29 by 18 by 9 inches. 

Price, f.o.b. Kankakee, $5.00. 

Trap is also metal lined for Squir¬ 
rels, Rabbits, Skunks and other animals, 
at $6.50, f.o.b. Kankakee. 

Shipping weight, 20 pounds. 

My booklet entitled “The Truth 
about the Cat’* is full of interesting 
facts about these “bird fiends,” as I 
call them. 


Garden Furniture 

In addition to my Bird Houses, I 
have developed a very beautiful line of 
Garden Furniture. I will gladly mail 
my comprehensive catalog of Dodson 
Garden Furniture to any of my bird- 
loving friends, on request. Dodson Cat Trap, Price $5.00 




liurnett & Weinberger Co. 
Designers Printers Chicago 


[ 24 








Mv Creel) 


(ET us learn to he content with 
what we have. Let us learn 
to get rid of our false estimates, set 
up all the higher ideals — a quiet 
home; vines of our own planting; a 
few hooks full of the inspiration of 
a genius; a few friends worthy of 
being loved, and able to love us in 
turn; a hundred innocent pleasures 
that bring no pain or remorse; a 
devotion to the right that will never 
swerve; a simple religion empty of 
all bigotry, full of tru£ and hope 
and love—and to such a philosophy 
this world will give up all the empty 
joy it has. —‘David Swing 










I 







































































